Contract extension boost for Hong Kong employers hit by Philippine labour export ban
Government doubles length of extensions allowed to soften impact of Manila suspension
The Hong Kong government on Thursday boosted the length of contract extensions available to families with domestic helpers affected by the Philippine government’s halt on labour exports.
Such extensions – usually limited to one month – can now last two months.
The “flexibility arrangement” is intended to soften the impact on employers of helpers whose contract is soon to expire and who cannot get a replacement in time.
Officials in the country said the halt came after they found “persistent reports of illegal recruitment” and “pernicious activities of certain unscrupulous individuals preying on Filipinos”.
The halt was of particular importance to Hong Kong. According to 2016 Legislative Council figures, the Philippines provides 189,000 of the city’s domestic helpers, more than any other country.
